Page 20 of Unmasked

“I won’t stop you,” I said, because I couldn’t give voice to what I really wanted to tell him.

“Nope, you can’t.” He laughed and squirmed out from under my arm, sitting up. “Right now, I’m going to show you my shower, though. And no hanky-panky, because my kid will be waiting. We have lots of time later.”

Kendrick stood and reached down for me. I didn’t need his help, but I let him take my hand, let him use a little strength to haul me to my feet. When I was standing, I pulled him close and leaned my cheek on his hair. “Sure thing,” I said. “I’ll let you show me whatever. Take all the time you need.”

He pulled my head down and kissed me.

I hadn’t realized that through all of this, my lips had never met his. That simple kiss rang through me like a bell. Just one man’s mouth on another, and yet, every nerve in my body sang in answer.

Kendrick stepped back, eyes sparkling. “Come on. This is going to be so much fucking fun. Only without the fucking or swearing when little ears are around.”

“I’ll remember.” I couldn’t stop looking at him with his silky black hair mussed, his lips parted, and that shining warmth in his eyes. “I won’t ever forget.”

Perhaps he heard something deeper in my simple words because he sobered and reached for my hand again. “Come on. Let me show you the way.”

Anytime. Anywhere.I took his slender, strong fingers in mine. “Lead on.”

Then I followed this man I’d so miraculously found through his house, up his stairs, and deeper into his life. And somehow, I knew that wherever Kendrick went, I would follow, through all the years to come.

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